Kaitlyn Babb
Journal Staff Writer

Following the suspension of opposition members from Wednesday’s House of
Assembly proceedings, Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) Michael Pintard
called for the resignation of National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.
The FNM leader made the comments at a press conference held in the opposition room
just after he and five other members of his party, including Deputy FNM Leader
Shanendon Cartwright, were excused from the House after last week’s sitting ended in
chaos with the Speakers Mace tossed out the window.
Pintard suggested that Munroe was the lead person in the opposition’s suspension. “He
should not sit in the chair he’s sitting in,” said the FNM leader.
The FNM has been vocally against the National Security Minister recently as numerous
corruption allegations have unfolded within Bahamian law enforcement. Those matters
saw Superintendent Michael Johnson being placed on garden leave and senior officers
being indicted in the United States.
Pintard said that Munroe has thus far failed at his job. “Having served for three years,
the crime rate in general, but violent crimes leading to death has increased on his
watch,” he said. “As a former defense attorney, he is conflicted in the performance of his
job and we believe he is unsuitable.”
While making a case for Munroe’s removal, the FNM leader commended the
government for the resignation of Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander and the
announcement of Assistant Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles as his successor.
The party previously voiced major concern at the onslaught of corruption falling under
Fernander’s tenure, with FNM Chairman Duane Sands suggesting multiple times that
the commissioner be removed.

Pintard said that he looks forward to working with Knowles but expressed concern for
the government’s agenda affecting the new change. “It would be regrettable if the Prime
Minister then puts in place deputies that are loyal to him and his agenda, or whose
names have been called in any other matter,” he said.
“We are watching and in the event that he proceeds with an appointment that we
understand he is considering we will be back to members of the media, in order to share
what we know relative to that particular officer.”